Loss of Cotchery makes wide receiver an even bigger need for the Steelers

Add wide receiver to the growing lists of needs for the Steelers in the draft and in free agency. Veteran wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery has picked the Carolina Panthers over the Pittsburgh Steelers, informing the Steelers late this morning that he is signing with Carolina.

The deal is for two years.

Cotchery had strong interest in returning to Pittsburgh and the interest was mutual but when you mismanage the cap for years, it’s never a guarantee you’ll be able to afford a No. 3 receiver that wasn’t asking for much.

Cotchery was seeking upwards of $3 million in guaranteed money in year 1 and a source says the Steelers offered Cotchery a 2 year deal south of $4.5 million (total value). Terms of Cotchery’s two year deal with the Carolina Panthers are not yet available.

The Steelers have now lost their No. 2 and No. 3 receivers this off-season and there isn’t a lot of help out there in free agency.

Markus Wheaton is has potential to be a solid No. 2 receiver but is an unknown right now and adding an accomplished veteran wide receiver who could step into a No. 2 role if needed, is a must.

Texas A & M’s Mike Evan’s tops the Steelers draft wishlist.

Notes: Bob Labriola of Steelers.com reports the Steelers will not lose a draft pick for Mike Tomlin’s sideline incident against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night.